Embassy of the United States

other services

Driving in Korea

The information below has been provided to the Embassy by the Korean Driver's License Agency (DLA).  For the most current and accurate information, please visit the DLA website (in English) at www.dla.go.kr/eng/main.jsp.

There are basically three options for driving in Korea:

1) As of August 1, 2007, Americans who have long-term visas can exchange their U.S. driver’s license for a Korean driver’s license.

Documents required to exchange a U.S. license for a Korean license:

1. U.S. Passport
2. U.S. driver’s license
3. Alien Registration Card (ARC) (If not available, Entry/Exit records in passport are acceptable.)
4. Three photos (3 cm by 4 cm)
5. Fee: 17,000 Won

Your driver’s license will be returned to you before you depart Korea if you visit the DLA office with your fixed flight departure schedule. 

2) Obtain a Korean driver’s license

If you do not want to turn in your driver’s license to the DLA, you must apply for a local Korean license and:

1. Pass a written test (in English)
2. Pass a driving test
3. Attend a safety class

3) Short-term visitors can drive with their international driver’s license in Korea.

We recommend you drive with your international driver’s license issued from your home country.  The following are U.S. organizations issuing international licenses: Department of Motor Vehicles
 

For additional information, please contact:

The Driver's License Agency (Main) in Korea
www.dla.go.kr/eng/main.jsp
Switchboard: (02)1577-1120/ Fax: (02) 374-0080
E-mail: helpdesk@npa.go.kr
438 Sangam-dong,
Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Zip code: 121-759

Kangnam Branch Office
998-1 Daechi3-dong (Tancheon-gil),
Kangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Zip code: 135-502    Fax: (02) 561-6029

Dobong Branch Office
727 Dong1-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Zip code: 139-723    Fax: (02) 934-7000

Also see the Embassy's web pages on traffic laws under "Legal Problems Encountered by American Citizens in Korea," the Traffic Safety and Road Conditions section of the Consular Information Sheet on South Korea, and Road Safety Overseas.